Tie Rod Joint Assembly for Steering Torque Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric power steering systems require additional mechanisms, such as anti-rotation bushings or pinion shafts, to prevent torsional load transfer, which can complicate the design and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A joint assembly for the tie rod that incorporates a yoke with aligned holes and pins, allowing articulation about two axes while restricting rotation about a third axis, thereby integrating anti-rotation functionality directly into the tie rod assembly, eliminating the need for separate anti-rotation components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ball-in-socket style tie rod is used to allow rotation and prevent torsional load transfer, then the steering system can accommodate rotational movement, but an additional anti-rotation mechanism is required to prevent steering rack rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ball-in-socket joint and anti-rotation mechanism into a single integrated tie rod assembly. The tie rod includes a ball joint portion with a ball and socket that allows rotational movement, while simultaneously incorporating a anti-rotation feature that prevents steering rack rotation. This merging eliminates the need for separate anti-rotation components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining both rotational adaptability and anti-rotation functionality.
2Reliability
If separate anti-rotation mechanisms are added to the steering system, then torsional load transfer is prevented, but the design complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation mechanism is integrated directly into the tie rod structure rather than being implemented as a separate component. The tie rod incorporates both the ball-in-socket joint for rotational movement and the anti-rotation feature within a single unified assembly, thereby preventing torsional load transfer while avoiding the increased complexity and cost associated with adding separate anti-rotation mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a ball-in-socket joint is used to prevent torque transfer, then torsional flexibility is improved, but the structural integrity and axial load support are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ball-in-socket joint design with a reinforced structural configuration. The tie rod includes a ball joint portion with a ball and socket that provides torsional flexibility, while simultaneously incorporating a anti-rotation feature and structural design elements that maintain or enhance axial load support capability. This integrated approach allows the single component to achieve both torsional flexibility and structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint assembly for a steering tie rod assembly includes a tie rod. The joint assembly also includes a yoke including a first leg and a second leg, wherein each of the first and second legs define a respective hole aligned with each other. The joint assembly further includes a first pin extending through each of the respective holes defined by the first leg and the second leg of the yoke and through a first hole of the tie rod. The joint assembly yet further includes a second pin disposed in a second hole defined by the tie rod and defining a central hole that the first pin extends through.